China to Unveil World’s First Pregnancy Robot with Artificial Womb

 

China is preparing to launch a groundbreaking humanoid robot capable of hosting a fully functional artificial womb, marking what could be the world’s first “pregnancy robot.”

The innovation, developed by Kaiwa Technology in Guangzhou, is expected to debut in 2026, according to project lead Dr. Zhang Qifeng, who spoke at the World Robot Conference in Beijing. He explained that while the scientific foundation for artificial wombs is already strong, the next phase involves embedding the technology into a robot capable of interactive pregnancy.

Artificial wombs are not entirely new—they replicate the natural environment of a uterus with artificial amniotic fluid and umbilical cord-like tubing to deliver nutrients and oxygen. In 2017, U.S. scientists successfully sustained premature lambs for weeks in such “biobags,” demonstrating the viability of ex-utero gestation.

What sets Kaiwa’s project apart is its ambition to create a robot that can oversee the entire gestation process—from fertilization to full-term birth.

The company also revealed that the technology could cost around 100,000 yuan (£11,000), making it significantly cheaper than traditional human surrogacy.

Experts say the drive for such innovation is fueled by China’s growing infertility crisis and the country’s urgent search for alternative reproductive solutions.